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Zimbabwe’s 63 Minerals and their Uses

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Zimbabwe’s 63 Minerals and their Uses

Zimbabwe is one of the world’s most richly endowed countries in terms of mineral wealth. With 63 officially listed minerals, the Southern African country boasts a diverse geological landscape that has the potential to drive industrialisation, export growth, and inclusive development.

From high-demand strategic resources like lithium and rare earths to traditional powerhouses such as gold and platinum, Zimbabwe’s mineral portfolio presents both economic opportunities and strategic leverage on the global commodities stage.

Here’s a comprehensive list of all 63 officially recognized minerals found in Zimbabwe and their uses.

💎 1–10: Precious & Gemstone Minerals

  1. Agate – Semiprecious stone for jewellery and décor; enhances artisanal mining income
  2. Amazonite – Green feldspar used in jewellery and ornamental crafts
  3. Amethyst – Purple quartz for jewellery and metaphysical markets
  4. Emerald – High-value gemstone, globally exported
  5. Sapphire – Precious corundum used in jewellery and fine watchmaking
  6. Citrine – Quartz gemstone used in jewellery
  7. Garnet – Abrasive and gemstone
  8. Jade – Ornamental stone for carvings and jewellery
  9. Topaz – Clear-to-colored gemstone, used in jewelry
  10. Aquamarine / Beryl – Gemstone & industrial beryl used in electronics

⚙️ 11–20: Industrial & Construction Minerals

  1. Clay (kaolin, fireclay, flint clay) – Ceramics, bricks, refractories
  2. Calcite – Cement, agriculture (lime), chemical filler
  3. Dolomite – Cement, steel flux, agricultural lime
  4. Limestone – Cement, construction, agriculture
  5. Gypsum – Plasterboard, cement retarder, soil conditioner
  6. Fluorite – Metallurgy, ceramics, hydrofluoric acid production
  7. Feldspar – Ceramics, glass, paints
  8. Silica (quartz) – Glass, foundries, electronics
  9. Barytes – Oil & gas drilling mud, paints, paper
  10. Vermiculite – Insulation, horticulture, lightweight concrete

⚙️ 21–30: Base & Heavy Metals

  1. Iron & Magnetite – Steel production, heavy industry
  2. Copper – Electrical wiring, electronics, construction
  3. Nickel – Stainless steel, batteries, alloys
  4. Cobalt – Rechargeable batteries, superalloys
  5. Chromium – Stainless steel and ferrochrome production
  6. Lead – Batteries, ammunition, radiation shielding
  7. Zinc – Galvanizing, battery production
  8. Manganese – Steel alloys, dry-cell batteries
  9. Molybdenum – Steel strengthening, lubricants
  10. Vanadium – High-strength steel, vanadium flow batteries

⚡ 31–40: Energy & Light Hydrocarbons

  1. Coal – Electricity generation, steel, cement
  2. Coal-bed Methane (CBM) – Clean energy fuel, power generation
  3. Uranium – Nuclear energy, power generation
  4. Peat – Fuel source, horticulture
  5. Salt – Industrial processes, food, water treatment

🔋 41–50: Precious & Strategic Metals

  1. Gold – Jewelry, investment, electronics
  2. Silver – Electronics, solar, photography
  3. Platinum – Catalytic converters, jewelry, medical devices
  4. Palladium – Catalysts, electronics, fuel cells
  5. Antimony – Flame retardants, alloys
  6. Bismuth – Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, low-tox alloys
  7. Arsenic – Semiconductors, pesticides, wood preservatives
  8. Cesium – Atomic clocks, oil recovery, pharmaceuticals
  9. Mercury – Thermometers, batteries, industrial processes
  10. Tungsten – Cutting tools, wear-resistant materials

🔋 51–63: Rare Earths & Specialty Minerals

  1. Lithium – EV batteries, energy storage, ceramics
  2. Tantalum – Electronics capacitors, aerospace components
  3. Graphite – Batteries (anode material), lubricants
  4. Mica – Insulators in electronics, cosmetics
  5. Sillimanite – High‑temperature ceramics and refractories
  6. Cordierite – Ceramics, kiln furniture, thermal insulators
  7. Corundum – Industrial abrasives, high-speed bearings
  8. Kainite – Fertilizers, de‑icing agents
  9. Diatomite – Filtration, abrasives, absorbents
  10. Ochre – Pigments for paint, art, historical crafts
  11. Jadeite / Mtorolite – Rare ornamental stone
  12. Phosphate – Fertilizer for Agriculture
  13. Tin – Solder, plating, alloys
  14. Pyrite – Sulfuric acid, gold by-product
  15. Rutaimate – (Selenium) – Electronics, glass, pigments
  16. Silver – Listed already above under precious metals (duplicate)
  17. Feldspathoids / Sodalite group – Decorative stone, specialized ceramics
  18. Dimension Stones (granite, marble, quartzite) – Construction, countertops, export

 

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe, 23 June 2025

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Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe, 23 June 2025

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today, 23 June 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

  • SG 90% and ABOVE US$102.33/g.
  • SG ABOVE 89% BUT BELOW 90% US$101.25/g.
  • SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$100.16/g.
  • SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$99.08/g.
  • SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$97.46/g.

Fire Assay CASH $102.87/g.

NB: Fire Assay cash price is for gold above 100g; no sample is deducted.

A sample of not more than 10g is deducted for the Fire Assay Transfer price.

A 2% royalty is charged on all deposits (Small-scale miners).

A 5% royalty is set for Primary Producers.

AMSZ Technical Visit Underlines the Growing Impact of Technology in Mine Surveying

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AMSZ Technical Visit Underlines the Growing Impact of Technology in Mine Surveying

The Association of Mine Surveyors of Zimbabwe (AMSZ) says the mine surveying profession is undergoing a major shift, with data integrity, efficiency, and digital integration now at the centre of the surveyor’s evolving role.

By Ryan Chigoche

This message came through strongly during a recent technical visit to Blanket Mine, where AMSZ members explored how technology is being used to improve mining operations and strengthen the role of surveyors in delivering value.

Held at the Gwanda-based gold operation, the visit was part of AMSZ’s ongoing programme to expose its members to best-practice environments.

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, AMSZ Secretary General Takunda Mubaiwa emphasised that surveyors today are no longer just data collectors—they are key players in processing and translating information into financial and operational decisions.

“A surveyor is now much more needed in terms of the input of the data, the processing and the output of the data. Software manipulation is now key. You collect the data—yes—but what are you doing with the data? How is it being integrated to then add up to the financial result—dollars—that make sense to the industry, to the employer, to the service provider, whoever you are then linking up with? And Caledonia is really doing good in that regard, using the JSWIC that they are using. It’s really migrating all systems into one place, one pool, where you can just pool all resources. These guys from planning, these guys from mining—everyone can just feed into the same system without alterations to the integrity of that same data, but being done to the survey grades that we really need to achieve,” he said.

Blanket Mine demonstrated how its integrated software systems, including DESWIC and SynchroMine, are enabling this shift.

These tools support survey data accuracy, risk management, and real-time collaboration across departments.

AMSZ members took a close look at how these platforms are applied to planning, accountability, and audit processes within the operation.

AMSZ President Stewart Gumbi said the visit to Blanket Mine was part of a structured effort to identify learning opportunities across Zimbabwe’s mining sector. He said Blanket provided a strong case study on aligning data, efficiency, and profitability.

“We select these sites for a reason. We have a system of selecting which technical visits to conduct, which sites to visit. Because we want to look at gaps which our members can learn how to close. Blanket Mine has shown us, especially on their production, their profits, their data integrity, and their efficiencies. So, the next technical visit that we are going to do, we are going to try to even surpass this one, because we are also going to analyse the gaps. Some of them were discussed today,” said Gumbi.

He added that the goal is not only to observe these innovations but to help members adopt similar models in their own workplaces, raising standards across the profession.

The technical visit drew a record number of participants—a development AMSZ said reflects growing interest in its work and the critical role surveyors now play in modern mining. The strong engagement also came at a time when the association is making headway on key policy proposals.

AMSZ Vice President Jeremiah Gasiteni said the success of the event had reaffirmed the association’s strategic direction and energised its leadership to push further.

“So it tells you that as an association we are going in the right direction, and it encourages us as the association. It gives us the impetus to continue encouraging our members and ensure our members have got cutting-edge technology that will assist in executing our duties as surveyors,” he said.

AMSZ says it will continue organising technical visits as part of its broader mission to modernise the profession, support innovation, and position mine surveyors as key contributors to Zimbabwe’s mining growth.

Peggers are not creating Mine Disputes – Samson Dzingwe

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Peggers are not creating Mine Disputes – Samson Dzingwe

Peggers are not creating Mine Disputes – Samson Dzingwe

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe, 21 June 2025

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Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe, 21 June 2025

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today, 21 June 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

  • SG 90% and ABOVE US$102.33/g.
  • SG ABOVE 89% BUT BELOW 90% US$101.25/g.
  • SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$100.16/g.
  • SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$99.08/g.
  • SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$97.46/g.

Fire Assay CASH $102.87/g.

NB: Fire Assay cash price is for gold above 100g; no sample is deducted.

A sample of not more than 10g is deducted for the Fire Assay Transfer price.

A 2% royalty is charged on all deposits (Small-scale miners).

A 5% royalty is set for Primary Producers.

Zimbabwe Moves to End Mining Boundary Disputes with Mandatory Survey-Grade Coordinates: Government Bans Handheld GPS Use

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Zimbabwe Moves to End Mining Boundary Disputes with Mandatory Survey-Grade Coordinates: Government Bans Handheld GPS Use

Zero disputes. One centimetre. That’s the future.

In a decisive move to bring order and precision to Zimbabwe’s mining sector, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has issued a landmark directive requiring all mining title holders to submit survey-grade coordinates for their claims, effective 1st July 2025, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The notice, issued from the Provincial Mining Director’s office in Gweru and signed by K. Mlangeni, clearly states that only registered mine surveyors using survey-grade instruments are now authorised to provide coordinate data for the country’s mining cadastre.

“As from the 1st of July 2025, all mining title holders will be required to submit surveyed coordinates for their mining titles done by a registered mine surveyor, who should use survey-grade instruments,” he said in the notice.

This directive, which comes amid widespread mining disputes and overlapping claims, is being hailed as a necessary shift towards professionalism, accuracy, and national mineral security.

The Problem: 5-Metre Errors Causing Chaos

For years, Zimbabwe’s mining title system has relied heavily on handheld GPS devices, which have an average horizontal accuracy error of 5 to 10 metres—sometimes even worse depending on terrain and satellite availability. While this margin may seem small, in the dense and competitive world of gold, lithium, chrome and platinum claims, a 5-metre error is enough to trigger serious disputes, encroachments, or even legal battles.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Pfungwa Kunaka, has since communicated to all Provincial Mining Directors (PMDs) stressing the need for coordinate accuracy at or below 1 centimetre—something only achievable through survey-grade equipment like Total Stations, GNSS base-rover systems (differential GPS), and Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS setups operated by qualified surveyors.

A Professional Turn: Registered Mine Surveyors Step In

The decision effectively sidelines unverified data and repositions registered mine surveyors as critical actors in the mining value chain. Miners, many of whom had previously submitted coordinates taken from handheld devices, are now being encouraged to seek verification and re-surveying support from qualified professionals.

This is not a punitive measure, the Ministry says, but a corrective one aimed at:

  • Reducing boundary disputes between miners
  • Preventing double allocations of claims
  • Securing national mining data integrity
  • Preparing for full digitalisation under the upcoming electronic Mining Cadastre System

Support for the Decision: Clarity and Conflict Prevention

The move has already received strong support from within the sector.

“This is a long-overdue development,” said a Midlands-based mining consultant. “Too many disputes we mediate stem from GPS errors. You can’t build a billion-dollar sector on five-metre guesswork. A miner should know exactly where their claim begins and ends.”

Small-scale miners and cooperatives, often the most vulnerable to boundary-related disputes, also stand to benefit. Many have been victims of encroachment or misplacement due to incorrect coordinates, only to lose out during inspections or legal reviews.

By standardising accuracy through certified professionals, the government is not only protecting mineral rights—but also creating a basis for a sustainable, dispute-free, investor-friendly mining sector.

Populist Value: Building Trust in the System

At a time when many miners feel disempowered or vulnerable to shifting policy and unclear boundaries, the move to professionalise and centralise coordinate management is a step in the right direction.

It also paves the way for greater trust in the forthcoming electronic Mining Cadastre System—a digital platform the government is working to implement to manage mining rights, applications, payments, and dispute resolutions. A system is only as good as its data—and now, that data will be accurate.

“You can’t digitalise garbage,” a mine surveyor quipped. “If the base coordinates are wrong, everything that follows will be wrong. The Ministry has made the right call.”

What This Means for Miners

From 1 July 2025, all miners—whether small-scale or large—must:

  • Engage a registered mine surveyor
  • Ensure all submitted coordinates meet survey-grade accuracy
  • Re-survey existing claims if they were registered using handheld GPS
  • Submit these coordinates through the proper channels as required by the PMDs

Professionalism Is the Future

This policy move underscores a bigger truth in Zimbabwe’s mining future: professionalism and accuracy are no longer optional—they are national imperatives.

By enforcing the use of survey-grade instruments and qualified personnel, the Ministry of Mines is laying the foundation for a credible, modern, and investor-friendly mining sector. More importantly, it’s giving miners—small or large—a fighting chance to protect what they own and build with confidence.

The Great Dyke – A Geological Marvel of Zimbabwe

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The Great Dyke – A Geological Marvel of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a country rich in natural wonders, but few can match the scale, importance, and mystique of its geological marvel “The Great Dyke”.

Stretching over 550 kilometres from the northeast to the southwest of the country, this colossal geological formation is not only breathtaking but also immensely valuable. It is a mineralogical powerhouse, a key pillar of Zimbabwe’s mining industry, and a true marvel of nature.

Here are 10 exciting facts and minerals that make the Great Dyke one of the country’s greatest geological assets:

1. It’s Billions of Years Old

The Great Dyke is among the world’s oldest geological formations, dating back to the Archean Eon. Its formation provides critical insight into the Earth’s early crustal development, making it a focus of global geological research.

2. Rich in Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)

The Great Dyke holds one of the largest known deposits of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) in the world, including platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium. Zimbabwe is the third-largest global producer of platinum, thanks to this formation.

World-class mining companies like Zimplats, Mimosa Mining Company and Unki Mine (Valterra Platinum) are all active along the Great Dyke, bringing in billions in investment and positioning Zimbabwe on the global mining map.

Mining operations on the Great Dyke contribute significantly to national exports and employment, playing a central role in Zimbabwe’s economic strategy. Thousands of jobs depend on the mining and processing of its rich resources.

3. Home to Vast Chromite Deposits

The Dyke contains some of the highest-grade chromite ores globally. Chromite is a key ingredient in the production of ferrochrome, which is essential in manufacturing stainless steel.

4. A Treasure Trove of Nickel

Another valuable mineral found on the Great Dyke is nickel, which is crucial for making stainless steel and electric vehicle batteries. Zimbabwe’s nickel exports are largely tied to this geological feature.

5. Hosts High-Grade Gold

Several gold belts intersect the Great Dyke, and while gold is not as abundant as PGMs or chrome, there are pockets of high-grade deposits, especially near the southern end of the Dyke.

6. Contains Cobalt – A Critical Battery Metal

The Dyke also contains cobalt, a rare and essential metal used in battery production, particularly for electric vehicles and electronics.

7. Copper is Present in Trace but Valuable Amounts

While not in large quantities, copper is found within the Great Dyke’s mineral composition, often in association with nickel and PGMs, contributing to its multi-metallic potential.

8. Hosts Strategic Iron and Titanium Deposits

In addition to precious and base metals, the Great Dyke contains iron and titanium minerals, which hold potential for future extraction as demand grows in the construction and tech industries.

9. Divided into Four Mineral-Rich Complexes

Geologically, the Dyke is divided into four main complexes: Musengezi, Sebakwe, Selukwe (Shurugwi), and Wedza. Each has unique mineral compositions and hosts major mining operations like Zimplats, Unki, Mimosa, and the new Great Dyke Investments (GDI).

10. It’s a Global Investment Magnet

Because of its vast, untapped mineral wealth, the Great Dyke continues to attract substantial investment from countries such as Russia, China, and South Africa, particularly in PGMs, chrome, and beneficiation projects like smelters and refineries.

The Great Dyke of Zimbabwe is more than a line on a map—it’s a lifeline of economic opportunity, a geological marvel, and a symbol of Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth. From powering local economies to anchoring the country’s mining exports, it continues to shape Zimbabwe’s past, present, and future. Truly, the Great Dyke is a gift from the Earth—one that Zimbabwe must cherish, protect, and responsibly develop tichidyawo ipapo.

Blanket Mine Hosts Well-Subscribed AMSZ Technical Visit: Surveyors Vital to Mining Success, Says Acting GM Mabvoro

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Blanket Mine Hosts Well-Subscribed AMSZ Technical Visit: Surveyors Vital to Mining Success, Says Acting GM Mabvoro

A well-subscribed and spirited Association of Mine Surveyors of Zimbabwe (AMSZ) technical visit kicked off this morning at Blanket Mine, a division of Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc, with Acting General Manager Darlington Mabvoro delivering warm welcome remarks on behalf of General Manager Elton Gwatidzo.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The visit, which attracted a wide range of stakeholders—including student surveyors, women in mining, private survey entrepreneurs, industry executives, and surveyors employed across Zimbabwe’s mining sector—has been described as both timely and impactful for the future of mineral resource management in Zimbabwe.

“Without the surveyors, it’s not possible for all the achievements that the mining industry has achieved so far,” Mabvoro emphasized in his address. “The work you do in terms of measurements and quantification of resources is critical in helping us extract maximum value.”

Surveying: The Backbone of Mining Value

Mabvoro, speaking as the host representative, reiterated the vital role mine surveyors play in the mining value chain. He pointed out that surveyors form the backbone of mining success, providing the precision and data needed to make operational decisions.

“The work that you do is so critical. It helps us as organisations get value out of what we do. Your dedication underpins everything we achieve in mining,” he said.

He also clarified that Blanket Mine’s survey unit falls under the Mineral Resources Management Department, a department he described as the driver of innovation and sustainability for the mine.

Innovation and Technology at the Core

The Blanket Mine survey department, Mabvoro revealed, has embraced significant innovations and technological advancements. The participants are expected to be introduced to the cutting-edge software and systems currently in use, showcasing how Blanket Mine is leveraging technology to move towards becoming a world-class, sustainable operation.

“We hope to share with you the innovations our department has introduced, the software in use, and the direction we are taking to make Caledonia Mining and Blanket Mine more efficient, sustainable—economically and environmentally,” Mabvoro said.

A Platform for Learning and Strategic Thinking

More than just a technical tour, Mabvoro described the gathering as a strategic platform for mutual learning, forward-thinking, and sector-wide collaboration.

“I expect that the interaction we have here is not only about sharing information but also helping us think forward—to see how mine surveyors are placed in the growth of both the organisation and the mining industry as a whole,” he added.

He also expressed gratitude to participants for their commitment and urged them to make the most of the visit.

“I hope that by the time you walk out of Blanket Mine, you will have gained something as a way of paying back the time you’ve dedicated to come here—leaving behind your workplaces where you are adding value.”

Zero Harm: A Commitment to Safety

In a brief but pointed message, Mabvoro also reaffirmed Caledonia Mining’s commitment to health and safety, echoing the mine’s safety philosophy:

“Zero harm is possible,” he repeated emphatically—underscoring Blanket Mine’s dedication to ensuring the well-being of its workers and guests alike.

A Strong Start to a High-Impact Visit

As the visit continues, delegates are expected to gain deep insights into Blanket Mine’s surveying processes, technologies, safety protocols, and operational strategies. With such a diverse attendance and open knowledge-sharing atmosphere, this AMSZ technical visit has already made its mark as a benchmark engagement in the sector.

Blanket Mine’s hospitality and Mabvoro’s powerful message have set the tone for a collaborative and innovative future in Zimbabwe’s mine surveying field.

Caledonia Shows the Way in Responsible Handling of ASM

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Caledonia Shows the Way in Responsible Handling of ASM

At a time when the mining industry is grappling with how to responsibly integrate artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) into broader economic and regulatory frameworks, Caledonia Mining Corporation has stepped forward with a structured and sustainable approach, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Highlighted in its 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, Caledonia’s strategy sets an example of how formalisation, compliance, and partnership can transform ASM from a risky informal activity into a legitimate contributor to local development.

Rather than relying on punitive enforcement to curb illegal mining, Caledonia supports formalisation through legal tribute agreements as outlined in Zimbabwe’s Mines and Minerals Act (Chapter 21:05). These agreements allow registered mining claim holders to grant mining rights to other parties under clearly defined and regulated conditions. Typically, the tribute miner pays 5% of their proceeds as royalties to the claim holder. This process not only ensures a legal route for ASM operations but also enhances transparency and economic inclusion.

Caledonia’s approach ensures that all ASM activities conducted on its claims are formally registered with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. This legal recognition is a crucial step in ensuring accountability and safety within the ASM sector. Tribute miners operating under this model are required to adhere strictly to Zimbabwe’s Mines and Minerals Act and the Environmental Management Act, thereby meeting the country’s minimum standards for labour, safety, and environmental protection.

Importantly, Caledonia maintains no direct operational or financial involvement in ASM activities. The company does not manage, oversee, or fund these operations, with all oversight remaining the responsibility of the Ministry of Mines. In addition, Caledonia has taken a firm stance by not purchasing gold from artisanal miners. This decision is aimed at preventing the risks associated with unregulated supply chains, such as illicit trade and non-compliant gold production.

Central to Caledonia’s strategy is a collaborative mindset. The company recognises that lasting solutions in ASM require the active involvement of government authorities, community representatives, and environmental agencies. By engaging these stakeholders, Caledonia ensures that ASM operations align with regional socio-economic goals while minimising ecological harm.

As the conversation around ASM in Zimbabwe and the wider region continues to grow, Caledonia Mining Corporation offers a model that balances economic opportunity with responsibility. Its transparent, structured, and legally compliant approach demonstrates that it is possible to support local livelihoods while maintaining the integrity of Zimbabwe’s mining sector.

Caledonia is not only extracting gold—it is helping reshape how small-scale mining is integrated into the future of sustainable mining in Africa.

EV Battery Raw Material Use Surges Year-on-Year Despite April Slowdown — Adamas

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EV Battery Raw Material Use Surges Year-on-Year Despite April Slowdown — Adamas

Electric vehicle uptake remained on an upward path in April 2025, with global passenger EV sales—including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)—reaching 2.16 million units.

By Ryan Chigoche

Although that marked a 13% decline from March, the figure was still 28% higher than in the same month last year, reflecting sustained market growth despite short-term headwinds.

Asia-Pacific led the market by volume, where sales dropped 11% month-on-month but surged 31% compared to April 2024. Europe recorded a steeper 24% monthly fall but still posted 22% growth on a yearly basis.

In the Americas, EV sales declined by 4% from the previous month but rose 21% year-on-year.

Battery deployment trends closely tracked vehicle sales. According to Adamas Intelligence, 77,615 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery capacity were installed globally in newly sold EVs during April.

This represented an 11% monthly decline but a 30% year-on-year increase. Chinese cell supplier CATL led the market with 23,208 MWh, while BYD remained the top automaker, accounting for 12,341 MWh.

The average battery capacity per vehicle increased by 2% year-on-year, supported by stronger growth in BEV and PHEV sales than in HEVs.

The rise in overall battery capacity translated into higher demand for key battery metals, although some materials saw monthly declines in volume. Lithium deployment totalled 44,756 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), comprising 65% carbonate and 35% hydroxide.

The total was down 11% from March but 27% higher than a year ago. CATL and BYD led among suppliers and manufacturers, respectively. The average lithium used per EV stood at 20.7 kg, slightly down from April 2024.

Nickel use followed a similar pattern, with 26,259 tonnes deployed globally—a 14% monthly drop but still 8% up year-on-year.

CATL was again the leading cell supplier, while Tesla led among automakers with 2,636 tonnes.

On average, nickel content per EV battery fell 15% year-on-year to 12.1 kg, pointing to a gradual shift towards chemistries that require less of the metal.

Cobalt volumes showed a rare year-on-year decline. In April, 4,620 tonnes were deployed in EV batteries globally, down 12% from the previous month and 1% lower than April 2024.

CATL remained the top supplier, while Tesla led among automakers with 293 tonnes. The average cobalt intensity per vehicle fell sharply, dropping 23% over the year to 2.1 kg.

Deployment of manganese stood at 5,771 tonnes, reflecting both an 11% month-on-month and 1% year-on-year decline. CATL deployed the most among suppliers, while Volkswagen led among EV makers. Manganese intensity per vehicle dropped 22% year-on-year to 2.7 kg.

Graphite was the exception to the downtrend in monthly volumes. A total of 72,699 tonnes of synthetic and natural graphite was deployed in April, down 11% from March but up 32% compared to the same month last year.

CATL again led suppliers with 21,942 tonnes, and BYD accounted for the most among automakers at 12,844 tonnes. With BEVs accounting for a larger share of total sales, average graphite content per vehicle rose 3% year-on-year to 33.6 kg.

Despite the month-on-month declines across several metrics, the report reinforces the broader trend of accelerating EV adoption and battery raw material consumption.

Chinese firms continue to dominate key segments of the value chain, while year-on-year growth across most materials points to a market still firmly in expansion mode.

At the same time, declining material intensity in key inputs like cobalt, nickel, and manganese suggests that battery chemistries are evolving quickly to meet cost, performance, and sustainability goals.

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